Long game over as Eagles ace retires

Long announced his retirement with a post on Twitter late Saturday. "Eleven years and I can honestly say I put my soul into every minute of it", Long said.

Defensive end Chris Long #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It just showed how much we could make changes in things that matter, and play really good football too.

Long, 34, played 11 seasons with the Rams, Patriots and Eagles, racking up 70 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. "There aren't many players who can say they won back-to-back Super Bowls and the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award".

The former University of Virginia star entered the league in 2008, as the No. 2 overall pick of the NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.

However, and perhaps most notably, Long was a social justice activist who supported fellow protesting players in Philadelphia.

Long's career is pretty fascinating to look at as a whole.

The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long spent the first eight seasons of his career toiling for a struggling franchise in St. Louis. "There's no question that his work ethic combined with his unique talent made him into one of the greatest of this era's professional athletes". And, like many Patriots players, Long found team success in New England, helping the Patriots win a Super Bowl, a remarkable comeback victory against the Atlanta Falcons. He won back-to-back championships with the Patriots (2017) and Eagles (2018).